By Veronica Barriga
For parents of children on the autism spectrum, finding toys that are both engaging and developmentally supportive can feel like a challenge. With many options on the market it can become overwhelming as we search for the right tools and sensory toys to help our special needs kiddos who struggle with body regulation difficulties.… However, the Figgy Play Couch is quickly becoming a favorite among families, and therapists alike. This versatile, modular cushion set is more than just a plaything- it’s helping parents (like myself) find a lasting at home solution, because it doubles as a tool that helps little ones practice “heavy work.” Heavy work is vital for sensory seekers because it activates proprioceptive input in the muscles and joints. By incorporating heavy work into their daily or weekly home routine, children can find calmness, rest easier and feel more grounded.
What is heavy work and why do occupational therapists recommend this?
According to experts and leading scholars like Dr. Jane Koomar, heavy work helps organize and calm a child's nervous system by providing a steadying force when a child may feel overwhelmed. Children with sensory processing challenges, such as those on the autism spectrum, may feel overstimulated or anxious in certain environments, and (as many of us parents know) it can be a huge struggle before bed, and as they wake up in the middle of the night unable to sleep! But there are ways to help! Did you know? Heavy work provides the kind of deep sensory feedback that can calm their nervous system. Activities like climbing, pushing, jumping, brushing and carrying weighted items allow children on the autism spectrum to release built-up energy and feel more centered.
How does Figgy play a role in occupational therapy?
The award-winning Figgy Play Couch was designed to make heavy work activities easy and fun! Crafted to be sturdy, thick (crumble proof) and durable, the Figgy comes with six separate cushioned pieces that can be reconfigured in countless ways. And it's quite different from other play couches- the Figgy has velcro connectors that help create dynamic and useful builds like obstacle courses, climbing pyramids and even the perfect calming corner! Whether used as a fort, a lounge area, or a creative climbing structure, this product offers a wide variety of sensory-rich and calming experiences that engage a child’s imagination and promote motor skills. Bonus: It’s crafted in the USA, certified non toxic, free from harmful chemicals, machine washable, spill/stain proof and made with long lasting CertiPUR-US foam… but any pro will tell you, the main reason occupational therapists love Figgy is because it helps parents and kids on the spectrum practice a variety of “heavy work” activities at home!
Nicole Pounds, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Clinical Outreach says “I'm a huge believer in the use of open ended toys, both in the therapy space and in a home setting. The open-ended nature of the Figgy offers the ability for the child and grown up to be creative and promotes developmental skills like problem solving, connection, communication, story telling, motor development, and sensory processing.”
Here are a few ways you can use Figgy to help sensory seeking kids self-regulate and find calmness through heavy work activities.
1. Fort Building: Building a fort is more than just fun - it embraces a variety of heavy work activities like lifting, pushing and carrying cushions. With six individual pieces Figgy makes it easy for even small kids to carry pieces around. Tip: if the base cushions are too large for them to handle, help them out or have them independently move other pieces like rectangles or wedges. Figgy’s thick foam is enough to provide weight, but not too heavy for kids. This allows children to not only move the pieces, but also connect and stack them onto each other. Building the perfect fort will take time, all while helping your little one find more centeredness!
2. Indoor Climbing: Once your fort is built, encourage your child to climb on it! With Figgy’s strong Velcro connectors you can ensure your builds will stick and not crumble on or under as your child climbs, and explores their epic builds! Did you know? The simple act of climbing greatly helps organize the body- something kids on the spectrum may struggle to do on their own. By engaging all the muscles at once, sensory needs are met! By doing this often or incorporating climbing into a daily routine it can help children rest easy, and act as a natural aid before naps or bedtime. Figgy makes it easy to climb indoors and keep kids active at home!
3. Crash Pad & Jumping: Built with safety in mind and certified mattress like foam Figgy’s design allows kids to jump on the cushions while providing support underneath. Jumping (whether on a trampoline or on a Figgy) works out the wiggles and naturally aids in helping kids with strong sensory needs feel more grounded. When in doubt occupational therapists say “jump it out!” What's more, a crash pad works wonders- have your little one run towards and yes, crash onto a soft and inviting surface like the figgy or a bean bag. A crash pad provides fast and instant sensory feedback for kids on the spectrum who need it!
4. Blanket Swing: This exercise will likely take two people to safely swing one child, but its just like it sounds, take a blanket and create a make-shift hammock. First, lay your little one in the blanket, make sure they are face up and their body flat down, centered in the blanket, then slowly but surely start swinging them back and forth. Stay mindful- keep an eye out to make sure your little one is facing up the whole time, and enjoying the ride. This makeshift hammock-like swing has done wonders for my toddler before bed! The movement regulates them and helps them make sense of their surroundings. We like to place our Figgy as a flat mat underneath the blanket as we swing, this ensures our little one has a safe and calm landing pad in case he decides to move quickly or unexpectedly wiggles out of the blanket. Tip: Playing classical music while you swing them will provide additional stimulus (but not too much before bed)!
5. Work it out: Wheelbarrow & Planks: Transform your Figgy play couch into an indoor toddler gym. We tried this with our brands and they could not withstand a toddler’s weight, but Figgy rectangles can serve as a strong base for a child to plank and balance on. Simply put two rectangles across from each other and lay the child onto them, encourage kids to self balance and hold the plank as they count to 5 or even 10 seconds! You’d be surprised how devoted and determined kids are during his exercise. If the child seeks movement try a wheelbarrow pose, but place Figgy cushions underneath as you hold their feet up, and they use their arms to stay lifted- the cushions will make it a bit more challenging for them to hold the wheelbarrow pose and promotes a nice range of successful heavy work!
For more tips and resources check out the links below featuring some of our favorite pediatric occupational therapists (and moms)!
Courtney English | Pediatric Occupational Therapist
To learn more about the Figgy play couch and find more helpful sensory toys and tools head over to figgyplay.com or follow @figgyplay on Instagram.